March 5, 2015

Evacuating High-Rise Fires | SkySaver Rescue Backpacks

Evacuating High-Rise Fires

A recent skyscraper fire in Dubai has again brought the issue of fire-safety in skyscrapers to the forefront of people's attention. The fire, which started on the 52nd floor, was quickly spread by strong winds, and affected over a dozen floors. Amazingly, despite the raging fire, heavy smoke, and falling debris, there were no reported injuries or fatalities and the fire was quickly brought under control by local firefighters. However, putting out this fire was no easy task for responders. Skyscraper fires have unique challenges, some of which are obvious. The average fire hose can spray up to 50 feet which would mean only the 5th floor in most buildings. A high-rise is defined as anything 75ft and up, and in the case of Dubai the building was over 1000ft tall. Thus, firefighters must physically enter the building to combat the flames, and before doing so, they use precious time to asses all points of entry, exits, stairwells, and elevators. However, in our post 9/11 world, skyscraper construction has evolved so that the fire will eventually extinguish on its own. Skyscrapers are now constructed like metal boxes within metal boxes each with advanced sprinkler systems, so that a fire will burn itself out without spreading too much. This strategy means that residents below or above the flames may be better off by staying in place and not trying to evacuate potentially smoke filled stairs.

Burj Khalifa This is the same strategy that was put in place in another Dubai skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, which stands as the world's tallest building. In the event of a fire, occupants are instructed to go to one of the buildings 'refuge areas' and are not expected to walk down 160 floors. These refuge areas are built specially with think fire resistant walls and are pressurized to minimize smoke from entering. In the event a full evacuation is needed, each refuge area can be exited using advanced elevators (nicknamed lifeboats) that are designed to be safely used even in a fire.Dubai has again brought the issue of fire-safety in skyscrapers to the forefront of people's attention. The fire, which started on the 52nd floor, was quickly spread by strong winds, and affected over a dozen floors. Amazingly, despite the raging fire, heavy smoke, and falling debris, there were no reported injuries or fatalities and the fire was quickly brought under control by local firefighters.

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